Wellbore non-retrieval sensing system

ABSTRACT

A system includes at least one hardware processor interoperably coupled with computer memory and configured to perform operations of one or more components of the computer-implemented system. The system includes a detachable module (DM) delivery system configured to deploy, from release grooves of the NRSS and during a survey of the NRSS inside a wellbore during drilling of a well, plural DMs into an environment surrounding the NRSS, wherein the plural DMs are pre-loaded into the NRSS, and plural DMs are configured to gather and store sensing data from the environment.

BACKGROUND

Various types of survey tools can be used in onshore/offshore oil andgas wells. For example, gyro survey tools can be used for verticalitychecking and directional plan tie-in in shallow hole sections. Also,measurement while drilling (MWD) tools can be used for verticalperformance drilling and directional drilling in deep hole sections. Forsome deep but low-demand survey applications such as performancedrilling with deep kick-off points and gyro survey tie-in at deeplocations, retrievable survey tools can be inefficient due to anexcessive amount of time required for retrieval. Further, real-timesurvey tools, such as MWD and gyro while drilling (GWD) tools, can becostly.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes a system for surveying a wellbore witha non-retrieval sensing system (NRSS).

In an implementation, a computer-implemented system comprises: anon-retrieval sensing system (NRSS) comprising: at least one hardwareprocessor interoperably coupled with computer memory and configured toperform operations of one or more components of the computer-implementedsystem; and a detachable module (DM) delivery system configured todeploy, from release grooves of the NRSS and during a survey of the NRSSinside a wellbore during drilling of a well, plural DMs into anenvironment surrounding the NRSS, wherein the plural DMs are pre-loadedinto the NRSS; and plural DMs configured to gather and store sensingdata from the environment.

The previously described implementation is implementable usingmechanical components in combination with the following: acomputer-implemented method; a non-transitory, computer-readable mediumstoring computer-readable instructions to perform thecomputer-implemented method; and a computer-implemented systemcomprising a computer memory interoperably coupled with a hardwareprocessor configured to perform the computer-implemented method/theinstructions stored on the non-transitory, computer-readable medium.

The subject matter described in this specification can be implemented inparticular implementations, so as to realize one or more of thefollowing advantages. First, the NRSS can provide a lower cost comparedto the real-time systems. Second, the NRSS can provide a lower runningcost compared to retrievable survey tools, for example, eliminatingnon-drilling time needed for tool retrieval. Third, the NRSS can providelower costs in the areas of functionality, operation time, and wellcost. Fourth, the NRSS can carry large data storage space foracquisition of high-resolution downhole data. Fifth, the data transfercan be triggered automatically by downhole events or preset time delays.Sixth, depending on downhole conditions, the recorded downholeinformation can be transferred via the flow channel of annulus or drillpipe. Other advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art.

The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter of thisspecification are set forth in the Detailed Description, the claims, andthe accompanying drawings. Other features, aspects, and advantages ofthe subject matter will become apparent from the Detailed Description,the claims, and the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D are cross-sectional schematics of an example drillingsystem, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B collectively show a non-retrieval sensing system (NRSS)with a mechanical detachable module (DM) release system, according to animplementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the NRSS, according to animplementation of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B collectively show the NRSS with an examplemotor, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a DM 106 and a DM release groove, accordingto an implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a system schematic showing an example relationship of theNRSS, the DM 106, and data readers, according to an implementation ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for using anon-retrieval sensing system in a wellbore, according to animplementation, according to an implementation of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example computer system usedto provide computational functionalities associated with describedalgorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures asdescribed in the instant disclosure, according to an implementation ofthe present disclosure.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description describes a system for surveying awellbore with a non-retrieval sensing system, and is presented to enableany person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed subjectmatter in the context of one or more particular implementations. Variousmodifications, alterations, and permutations of the disclosedimplementations can be made and will be readily apparent to those orordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined may beapplied to other implementations and applications, without departingfrom scope of the disclosure. In some instances, details unnecessary toobtain an understanding of the described subject matter may be omittedso as to not obscure one or more described implementations withunnecessary detail and inasmuch as such details are within the skill ofone of ordinary skill in the art. The present disclosure is not intendedto be limited to the described or illustrated implementations, but to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the described principles andfeatures.

A non-retrieval sensing system (NRSS) is disclosed with featuresintegrated sensors for downhole surveys as well as other in-situenvironment evaluation and characterization. The NRSS includesdetachable modules (DMs) that store sensing data. When the NRSS reachesa designated location, for example, a DM can be released from the NRSS,allowing the sensing data to be transferred to the surface while theNRSS remains downhole. The DM can be a compact and battery-less devicecapable of withstanding extreme downhole conditions such as hightemperature, high pressure, and other conditions. The battery-lessfeature of the DM can also make the DM both low-cost andmaintenance-free. The NRSS can have advantages over other technologiessuch as measurement while drilling (MWD) and gyro while drilling (GWD)tools, with respect to functionality, operation time, and well cost.Both mechanical and motorized DM release systems can be designed andmanufactured for running the NRSS in different applications.

A wellbore survey, also commonly known as a survey or directionalsurvey, is a practice of making a detailed record of the shape of theborehole for plotting a 3D trajectory of a wellbore during or afterdrilling. A wellbore survey can provide vital information for thedrilling operations to follow the planned path. For example, a deviationfrom an actual plan may cause serious consequences such as missing atarget and having collisions with nearby offset wells. In anotherexample, a deviation from an actual plan can result in a legalchallenge, such as if the wellbore penetrates a formation that is beyondthe boundary permitted under a government lease.

Typical survey tools include TOTCO, wireline survey, Gyro, MWD, and GWD.The most basic survey tool is TOTCO, a mechanical device that measuresand records the inclination angle at the bottom hole but not theazimuth. The tool can either be run on a wire to the bottom holeassembly (BHA) and recovered as soon as the survey is taken, or the toolcan be dropped down through the drill string when the drill string istripped out and then recovered when the BHA is at the surface. Aclockwork timer in the TOTCO can determine when the survey is taken. Thesurvey can be recorded by punching a hole in a paper disk. As a low-costsurvey tool with limited functionalities, this single-shot device ismostly used for confirming the verticality of the drilled shallow holesto avoid or prevent accidental kick-off

Wireline survey and gyro survey tools, on the other hand, can provideaccurate and comprehensive multi-shot surveys measured by gyroscopes andaccelerometers. With a similar sensing principle, the tools can bemainly differentiated by their running and retrieving methods. Duringthe operation, the wireline survey tool can be lowered into the wellboreand retrieved by a wireline. The gyro survey tool, on the other hand,can be dropped inside the drill pipe and retrieved while tripping out.Both of the tools can require a significant amount of time for runningand retrieval, not to mention the additional time and effort requiredfor rigging up the wireline in the case of wireline survey. Moreover,running surveys on wireline can carry a risk as the tool can get stuckdownhole. Therefore, although wireline survey and gyro survey provideaccurate measurement, the surveys are not considered astime/cost-efficient solutions, and certainly not ideal for deep-wellapplications.

MWD tools can provide a real-time sensing and communication system thatcan take magnetic-field-based surveys in deep wells. The system canutilize mud pulse telemetry to send modulated mud pressure signals tothe surface through the drilling mud along the inside of drill pipe. Ateach survey point, the orientation of the MWD can be determined bymeasuring the gravity and earth magnetic field. Any magneticinterference or noise can affect the accuracy of the tool, which makesMWD only suitable for open-hole survey jobs where stray magnetic fieldsdo not exist. In real-world applications, MWD can be used to obtainopen-hole surveys in deep-hole sections, and the result is tied in withcased-hole surveys measured by wireline survey or gyro survey tools inshallower sections. MWD is expensive to run, and drilling BHA has to betripped out in the event that the tool fails downhole.

An alternative solution for deep-well surveys is GWD which utilizes agyroscope instead of magnetometer to determine the orientation.Therefore, the stray magnetic field from the casing does not provideinterference on the tool, and the tool can be operated both inside andoutside of the casing. During the job, the measured survey data of GWDcan also be transferred to the surface using mud pulse telemetry.

In shallow holes sections, retrievable survey tools are commonly useddue to their simplicity and low retrieval cost. Real-time survey toolsare mostly used for directional drilling, where there is a high demandon the number of survey points and operation depth. For deep butlow-demand applications, such as performance drilling with deep kick-offpoints and gyro survey tie-in at deep locations, retrievable surveytools can become inefficient and real-time survey tools can becomecostly and unnecessary.

The NRSS can provide capabilities of taking measurements andtransferring the data to the surface without the need of retrieving thetool itself. The NRSS can eliminate retrieval time, especially for deepwells, and can avoid using complex and expensive real-time communicationsystems. The NRSS can also be suitable for low-demand, deep-well surveyapplications. None, some, or all of the features of the previouslymentioned technologies can be used or combined with the NRSS.

FIGS. 1A-1D are cross-sectional schematics of an example drilling system100, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Forexample, the drilling system 100 includes an NRSS 102 that can bedeployed when drilling in a drill pipe 104 for a drilling rig 107. TheNRSS 102 can be equipped with a gyroscope, a magnetometer, anaccelerometer, and other integrated sensors for downhole surveys andin-situ environment evaluation and characterization. Other integratedsensors can include, for example, temperature sensors, pressure sensors,gamma ray sensors, acoustic sensors, spectroscopic sensors, chemicalsensors, and Potential of Hydrogen (PH) sensors. The NRSS 102 caninclude detachable modules (DMs) 106 that store sensing data. Each DM106 can be a compact and batteryless device that is capable ofwithstanding extreme downhole conditions, including high temperature andhigh pressure. During operation, the NRSS 102 can be dropped from thetop of the drill pipe 104, initially at a position 105 a, and can movedownward with the mud flow while taking measurements inside the drillpipe 104. When the NRSS 102 reaches a designated location 105 b, forexample, data can be transferred from the NRSS 102 to the DMs 106. Then,DMs 106 can be released from the NRSS 102, allowing the sensing data tobe transferred to the surface while the NRSS 102 remains downhole. Thedirection of travel of the DMs 106 can depend on the direction of thedownhole circulation. For example, the DMs 106 can flow in a downwarddirection indicated by an arrow 108 a, and then sequentially throughpositions 110 a-110 c inside an annulus 112, as shown in FIG. 1C. Inanother example, such as in case of a total loss of circulation or aninability to circulate through the open hole, the DMs 106 can flow in adirection indicated by an arrow 108 b, and continue to positions 110 dthrough 110 e inside the drill pipe 104, as shown in FIG. 1D. The timeit takes for the DM to reach the surface can depend on a speed ofcirculation as well as wellbore and mud properties and conditions. Areader 114 at the surface can download data from the DMs 106 and cancomplete the survey job. Alternatively, the DMs 106 can be retrieved atthe surface, and the data can be downloaded offline.

In some implementations, in addition to, or instead of, the deploymentmethod described above, the NRSS 102 can be placed inside the drill pipe104 above a bit 116 and can run in a hole with the drill pipe. In thiscase, the NRSS 102 can take the measurements and release DMs 106 atcertain times and/or depth intervals. After the job, the NRSS 102 can beretrieved with the BHA while tripping out.

The NRSS 102 can have a pipe-shaped design that, during drilling, allowsfluid to flow through the center. The NRSS 102 can include batteries, amotherboard with sensors and a microcontroller, a DM release mechanism,and other components. In some implementations, the batteries can berechargeable batteries such as Li-Ion, Li-Polymer, NiMH, AgZn, or othertypes, or non-rechargeable batteries such as Zn—C, Zn—Mg, Mg, or othertypes. In some implementations, the microcontrollers can be advancedreduced instruction set computer (RISC) machine (ARM) core processors,Alf and Vegard's RISC processor (AVR), Intel Quark, Intel Atom, Intel8051, or other processers. In some implementations, the sensors caninclude micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based gyroscopes,accelerometers, magnetometers, temperature sensors, and pressuresensors. The batteries can power the microcontroller, the sensors, andthe motorized DM release system. The DM release system can include motordriver modules and motors. The DM release mechanism can be eithermechanically actuated or motorized.

Since the stored sensing data is retrieved using DMs 106, the NRSS 102only need to be retrieved with the drill pipe 104. The retrieval of theDMs 106 however, can be either mud flow-based or buoyancy-based,depending on the wellbore situation. In the first case, DMs 106 can bedesigned with a similar density as the mud fluid. After release, the DMs106 can flow with the mud and then recovered either in the annulus or inthe drill pipe, depending on the direction of the mud flow. In thelateral case, DMs 106 can be designed with a density less than the mud.After release, the DMs 106 can flow in the direction of the buoyancyforce and recovered inside the drill pipe 104.

The movement of the NRSS need not be completely gravity-based, asmovement can also partially be driven by the mud flow towards the bottomhole. A detachable module can be included with the NRSS 102 that furtherreduces the inner diameter (clearance) of the NRSS 102. The reduction ofthe clearance can enhance the differential hydraulic force applied onthe tool along the mud flow direction. The detachable module can be usedin horizontal well deployments where the gravity of the NRSS 102 is notsufficient to move the tool to the BHA.

In some implementations, the outside dimension (OD) of the NRSS 102 canbe slightly smaller than the inside dimension (ID) of the drill pipe.For example, for a NRSS system that is compatible with a 4″ drill pipe,the OD of the NRSS can be, for example, less than 3.34″ (or 85 mm). Insome implementations, the OD of a DM 106 can be, for example, between 3and 10 mm.

FIGS. 2A and 2B collectively show a NRSS 102 with a mechanical DMrelease system, according to an implementation of the presentdisclosure. A number of through grooves 203 (release grooves) aremanufactured in the longitudinal direction on a housing 202 of the NRSS102. Each of the grooves is assembled with a push bar 207 which iscoupled to the ring-shape inner slider (for example, manufactured as apart of or attached to) with motherboard (for example, a printed circuitboard 208) with batteries. The inner slider can move in a restrictedarea along the axis of the NRSS 102. A spring 204 is installed on thepush bar 207 inside the housing 202 as a shock absorber. Before thedeployment, DMs 106 are pre-installed in the grooves. After thedeployment, when the housing 202 touches the bottom of the drill pipe104, the inner slider moves downwards on its inertia, compresses thespring 204 and pushes the DMs 106 out of the end of the grooves usingthe push bars 207. The mechanical DM release system relies on its ownmotion without introducing any additional actuators for DM release,keeping the system less complex and more energy efficient. A sealingring 206 seals the NRSS 102. The central cavity of the NRSS 102 istypically left open for fluid to flow through. Multiple DMs 106 can belined up and stored in each of multiple grooves in the NRSS 102 toincrease DM 106 storage capacity.

FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view 210 of the NRSS 102, according toan implementation of the present disclosure. In this view, alternateones of notches 205 in the housing 202 can house, for example, slots forthe DMs 106 and components attached to the spring 204 for deploying theDMs 106. A void 207 in the NRSS 102 provides the central fluid flow pathfor the flow of fluid and mud through the NRSS 102.

The cross-sectional view 210 shows four grooves 203 (as previouslydescribed) from which DMs 106 are ejected. In other implementations, thenumber of grooves 203 can vary from 3 to 10. The number of DMs 106stored in each groove/channel can vary from 1 to 10 or more. Theorientation of each of the grooves is parallel to the central axis ofthe NRSS 102. In mechanical spring-loaded NRSS 102 implementations, pushbars 207 for deploying DMs 106 can be synchronized as they are assembledon one inner slider. In implementations using a motorized NRSS 102, oneor more push bars 207 can be driven by each motor, making it possible torelease DMs 106 in one go or in different batches.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B collectively show the NRSS 102 with an examplemotor 302, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.Instead of having an inner slider to release the DMs mechanically, theNRSS 102 can be equipped with racks 304 and motors 302. The rack 304 canserve as a push bar 207 with its position accurately controlled by themotor 302. Before the deployment, DMs 106 are pre-installed in grooves308 with racks 304 in position A. After the deployment of the NRSS 102,when the DMs 106 are ready to release, the motors 302 drive the racks304, moving from position A to position B and pushing the DMs 106 out ofthe grooves 308. Release of the DMs 106 can be facilitated by a sensorand controller 306. As such, FIG. 4A shows the motorized design beforereleasing the DM 106, and FIG. 4B shows the motorized design afterreleasing the DM 106. Compared to the mechanical DM release system, themotorized DM release system can allow the NRSS 102 to have bettercontrols on the DM 106 release time and method. Controlled numbers ofthe DMs 106 can be released at any designated time or tool positionduring the deployment. This gives the system more flexibility indifferent applications. In some mechanical release implementations ofthe NRSS 102, DMs 106 can be released only at the moment when NRSS 102reaches the bottom. In motorized implementations, the DMs 106 can bereleased at pre-determined time or based on external triggering signalsobtained from on-board sensors such as temperature, pressure,accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetic field, gamma ray, acoustic signal,spectroscopic signal, chemical concentration, PH value, etc.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a DM 106 and a DM release groove 502 (forexample, groove 203), according to an implementation of the presentdisclosure. The DM release groove 502 shows a magnified view of thegrooves 203 and 308, for example. The DM 106 is a spherical-shapeddevice with a small printed circuit board (PCB) 504 in the centercovered by epoxy of good mechanical properties. The PCB 504 includescomponents such as a microcontroller 506 for data communication and astorage chip 508 for saving the survey data. A pair of semi-sphericalmetal contacts (for example, electrodes 510 a and 510 b) cover the DM106 and serve as communication and power (514) ports. When the DM 106 isinstalled in the DM release groove 502, the PCB 504 of the DM 106 isconnected to the NRSS 102 through the electrodes 510 a, 510 b, and metalcontacts 512 a and 512 b. Therefore, the DM 106 is powered (514) by theDM release groove 502 where the survey data (516) is also transferred.In addition to the spherical shape of the DM 106 shown in FIG. 5, DMs106 can have cylindrical, ellipsoid, and capsule shapes. In someimplementations, DMs 106 can be equipped with on-board sensors andbatteries that enable wellbore sensing after being released from theNRSS 102. The metal contacts 512 a and 512 b can be installed in the DMrelease groove 502 and embedded in the housing. For mechanicalspring-type NRSS implementations, electrical lines in the housing can beconnected to the printed circuit board on the inner slider throughelectrical contacts/brushes between the housing 202 and push bars 207.For motorized NRSS implementations, the electrical lines in the housingcan be directed connected to the printed circuit board as there is nomoving part in between.

DMs 106 are pre-installed and secured in the DM release grooves 502within the body of the NRSS 102, separate from the central fluid flowpath. After being released, the DMs 106 are pushed into the central flowpath. Due to the fact that DMs 106 are much smaller in size compared tothe inner diameter of the NRSS 102, there is no chance for the DMs 106to block the fluid flow. Once the DMs 106 are installed, a rigidmechanical and electrical contact is established between the DMs 106 andelectrodes. The quality of the contact can be optimized by tolerances ofthe groove design.

Both mechanical and motorized DM release systems can be designed andmanufactured for running the NRSS in different applications. In oneexample applications, DMs can be released based on a time delay, and amotorized NRSS can release DMs based on preset timers to provide timelyupdates to the survey and logging. In another example applications, DMscan be released based on information captured by on-board sensors ofNRSS, such as inclination (for example, using a survey sensor),formation tops (for example, using a gamma ray sensor), temperature,pressure, PH, and/or other sensors that provide the NRSS the ability tocustomize the DM release strategy in a case-by-case fashion.

FIG. 6 is a system schematic showing an example relationship of the NRSS102, the DM 106, and data readers, according to an implementation of thepresent disclosure. The NRSS 102 and the DM 106 are both mechanicallyand electrically connected, for example, through the DM release groove502. After the sensing data is collected by the NRSS 102 and passed(616) to the DM 106, the data saved in the DM 106 can either bedownloaded by a wired reader 602 in a connected way (for example,providing power 612 and receiving data 614) or by a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) reader 604 wirelessly, such as using antennas 606and an RFID 608 in the DM 106 receiving information from a flash memory610. RFID transmission distance can occur, for example, within one meterusing 2.4 GHz frequency. However, this distance can be significantlyimproved by using low-frequency wireless transmissions, such as in KHzrange, the range of the RFID transmission distance can be expected toreach a few meters and more. Wireless communications in downhole datatransmission can use, for example, various technologies implemented towirelessly connect MWD and RSS components in the mud.

The NRSS 102 can provide, for example, one or more of a mechanicalrelease system 618 or a motorized release system 620 (for example, usingmotor driver 621). The NRSS 102 can include locational/movementcomponents such as a 3-axis magnetometer 622, a 3-axis accelerometer624, and a 3-axis gyroscope 626. The NRSS 102 can include componentssuch as a battery 628, such as to power at least the motor driver 621,and a microcontroller 630 that includes a timer 632, a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 634, input/output (I/O) ports 636, random accessmemory (RAM) 638, interrupts 640, and read-only memory (ROM) 642.

Data can be transferred from the main computing/controller board of theNRSS 102 to the DMs 106 while taking a survey. Depending on theresolution of the survey and a number of sensors involved in a specificcase, a mechanical NRSS 102 or a motorized NRSS 102 can be used. Forlow-resolution surveys and less sensor-intense applications, forexample, a mechanical NRSS 102 can be ideal due to being less complexand more power efficient. The system can be developed to ensure asufficient data transfer rate that allows the data writing from the NRSS102 to the DMs 106 to be completed before the mechanical release of theDMs 106. For high-resolution surveys and sensor-intense applications, amotorized NRSS 102 may be preferred. In this case, DMs 106 can bereleased based on a pre-determined time or based on external triggeringsignals, which can assure the completion of the data writing to the DMs106 before the release.

In some implementations using a battery-less DM 106, the RFID reader 604can query the flash memory 610 wirelessly. Battery-less RFID tagging isnormally referred as passive RFID, while battery-powered tagging isreferred as active RFID. In various implementations of the NRSS, DMs canbe with or without an onboard battery. Battery-less DMs can operate in apassive RFID mode, where transmission distance and transmission rate arelimited. For battery-powered DMs, antennas and transmitters can beintegrated and powered by a battery on the PCB board, which can enablewireless data transfer to a surface base station at a greater distancewhen passing by.

Data from the DMs 106 can be read using standard computers, mobiledevices, and/or other computers running appropriatesoftware/applications to gather, process, and display information. Thesoftware/applications can include two major modules/interfaces, an NRSSmodule and a DM module. The NRSS module can be used to configure theNRSS to enable the required sensors for the job and set sensingparameters such as sensor resolution, sampling rate, and sampling time.In addition, the NRSS module can also be used to set DM releasing modesand strategy for motorized NRSS. For example, when the NRSS 102 isconfigured to release DMs 106 based on a time delay, the delay time andthe number of DMs 106 to release for each batch can be preset on theNRSS 102 through the software. In another example, when the NRSS 102 isconfigured to release DMs 106 based on the tool inclination, then theinclination angle and the number of DMs 106 to release for each batchcan be preset on the NRSS 102 through the software. When/if the NRSS 102is retrieved after the job, the NRSS module can also be used to downloadthe sensor data stored on board the NRSS 102. The DM module can be usedfor downloading the sensor data stored on the DMs 106.

Various hardware, software and connections can be used to program theNRSS microcontroller. For example, when communicating with the NRSS 102,the computer or mobile device can be connected with NRSS 102 using wiredcable and communication protocols such as USB, serial, I2C, SPI, 1-wire,or in other ways. When communicating with DMs 106, for battery-less DMs106, the computer or mobile device can be connected to the DM 106 usingwired cable and communication protocols such as USB, serial, I2C, SPI,1-wire, or in other ways. For battery-powered DMs 106 with antennas,wireless communications such as Bluetooth, WIFI, Zigbee, or near-fieldcommunication (NFC), Z-wave can be used to download data from DM 106.

In some implementations, the NRSS 102 can also store data itself thatcan be retrieved once the NRSS 102 is pulled from a well. The data thatis saved on the NRSS 102 can be the same type of data saved in DMs 106but with higher resolution. Data download can be done through groovesonce the NRSS 102 is pulled out of the well.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example method 700 for using a non-retrievalsensing system in a wellbore, according to an implementation of thepresent disclosure. For clarity of presentation, the description thatfollows generally describes method 700 in the context of the otherfigures in this description. However, it will be understood that method700 may be performed, for example, by any suitable system, environment,software, and hardware, or a combination of systems, environments,software, and hardware, as appropriate. In some implementations, varioussteps of method 700 can be run in parallel, in combination, in loops, orin any order.

At 702, a survey of the NRSS is initiated. For example, an NRSS 102 canbe identified for dropping into a wellbore during drilling of an oilwell. In some instances, an operator at the well site can performactions to ready the NRSS 102 for deployment, such as enabling batterypower for the NRSS 102 and providing settings for the NRSS 102 so thatultimate retrieval of data from DMs 106 deployed by the NRSS 102 canoccur. From 702, method 700 proceeds to 704.

At 704, plural DMs are pre-loaded into the NRSS. For example, the NRSS102 can have plural DMs 106 pre-loaded at a factory, or the DMs 106 canbe loaded on site, with the number of DMs 106 determined by requirementsof the survey. The requirements can depend, for example, on a current oran expected depth of the wellbore, the type of information that isdesired, and other requirements. In some implementations, DMs 106 can beconfigured for different types of data measurements and can be loadedinto an NRSS 102 based on a particular data needs. From 704, method 700proceeds to 706. The DMs 106 can be preloaded into the NRSS 102 from theopen side of the release groove 502. The dimensions of the DMs 106 andthe inner dimension of the release grooves 502 can be designed withproper tolerances to help assure that the DMs 106 maintain theirpositions in the NRSS 102.

At 706, the NRSS 102 is configured to gather and store sensing data forthe wellbore. For example, technicians can configure the NRSS 102 forsurveying the wellbore by identifying intervals at which the DMs 106 areto be deployed. From 706, method 700 proceeds to 708.

At 708, the NRSS 102 is deployed into the wellbore. For example, theNRSS 102 can be placed into the wellbore for which the survey is tooccur. From 708, method 700 proceeds to 709.

At 709, environmental conditions and wellbore information are gatheredby the NRSS 102. For example, as the NRSS 102 serves as the major (oronly) carrier for on-board sensors, the NRSS 102 can gather informationbefore each of the DMs 106 is deployed, as well as after deployment.From 709, method 700 proceeds to 710.

At 710, conditions are monitored for release of the DMs 106 into thewellbore. For example, release conditions can include depth (such ascounting vibrations from making joints), depth based on the wellinclination, temperature, gamma ray reading, and other factors. Forexample, depth and time interval information preloaded into the NRSS102, as well as information gathered by sensors of the NRSS 102 duringits descent, can be used for monitoring the release of the DMs 106 overtime. From 710, method 700 proceeds to 712.

At 712, the DMs 106 are deployed into the wellbore. For example, pluralDMs 106 can be deployed, such as at different intervals and/or at thebottom of the wellbore, through the release grooves of the NRSS 102inside a wellbore during the survey and/or during drilling of a well.From 712, method 700 proceeds to 714.

At 714, environmental conditions are gathered and stored bybattery-powered ones of the DMs 106. Battery-powered DMs 106, forexample, can collect information with on-board sensors within thewellbore. The NRSS 102 is not required at this time to do any furthertransmission or sensing. Step 714 can be optional, as using DMs 106 thatare battery-powered and include sensors can be optional. For example, insome implementations, the sole purpose of DMs 106 can be to be deployedfrom the NRSS 102 and deliver information to the surface. From 714,method 700 proceeds to 716.

At 716, data is acquired from the DMs 106. For example, a reader at thetop of the wellbore can receive the data through a low frequencytransmission or when the DMs 106 float to top and the data is read by awireless sensor, or the data can be retrieved or downloaded in someother way. From 716, method 700 proceeds to 718.

At 718, the acquired data is used in making decisions. For example,technicians at the well site or in other locations can use theinformation to learn about conditions of the wellbore, and thetechnicians can use the information to make decisions, such as whetheror how to continue drilling. From 718, method 700 stops.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example computer system 800 used toprovide computational functionalities associated with describedalgorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures, asdescribed in the instant disclosure, according to an implementation ofthe present disclosure. The illustrated computer 802 is intended toencompass any computing device such as a server, desktop computer,laptop/notebook computer, wireless data port, smart phone, personal dataassistant (PDA), tablet computing device, one or more processors withinthese devices, or any other suitable processing device, includingphysical or virtual instances (or both) of the computing device.Additionally, the computer 802 may comprise a computer that includes aninput device, such as a keypad, keyboard, touch screen, or other devicethat can accept user information, and an output device that conveysinformation associated with the operation of the computer 802, includingdigital data, visual, or audio information (or a combination ofinformation), or a graphical user interface (GUI).

The computer 802 can serve in a role as a client, network component, aserver, a database or other persistency, or any other component (or acombination of roles) of a computer system for performing the subjectmatter described in the instant disclosure. The illustrated computer 802is communicably coupled with a network 830. In some implementations, oneor more components of the computer 802 may be configured to operatewithin environments, including cloud-computing-based, local, global, orother environment (or a combination of environments).

At a high level, the computer 802 is an electronic computing deviceoperable to receive, transmit, process, store, or manage data andinformation associated with the described subject matter. According tosome implementations, the computer 802 may also include or becommunicably coupled with an application server, e-mail server, webserver, caching server, streaming data server, or other server (or acombination of servers).

The computer 802 can receive requests over network 830 from a clientapplication (for example, executing on another computer 802) and respondto the received requests by processing the received requests using anappropriate software application(s). In addition, requests may also besent to the computer 802 from internal users (for example, from acommand console or by other appropriate access method), external orthird-parties, other automated applications, as well as any otherappropriate entities, individuals, systems, or computers.

Each of the components of the computer 802 can communicate using asystem bus 803. In some implementations, any or all of the components ofthe computer 802, hardware or software (or a combination of bothhardware and software), may interface with each other or the interface804 (or a combination of both), over the system bus 803 using anapplication programming interface (API) 812 or a service layer 813 (or acombination of the API 812 and service layer 813). The API 812 mayinclude specifications for routines, data structures, and objectclasses. The API 812 may be either computer-language independent ordependent and refer to a complete interface, a single function, or evena set of APIs. The service layer 813 provides software services to thecomputer 802 or other components (whether or not illustrated) that arecommunicably coupled to the computer 802. The functionality of thecomputer 802 may be accessible for all service consumers using thisservice layer. Software services, such as those provided by the servicelayer 813, provide reusable, defined functionalities through a definedinterface. For example, the interface may be software written in JAVA,C++, or other suitable language providing data in extensible markuplanguage (XML) format or other suitable format. While illustrated as anintegrated component of the computer 802, alternative implementationsmay illustrate the API 812 or the service layer 813 as stand-alonecomponents in relation to other components of the computer 802 or othercomponents (whether or not illustrated) that are communicably coupled tothe computer 802. Moreover, any or all parts of the API 812 or theservice layer 813 may be implemented as child or sub-modules of anothersoftware module, enterprise application, or hardware module withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure.

The computer 802 includes an interface 804. Although illustrated as asingle interface 804 in FIG. 8, two or more interfaces 804 may be usedaccording to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations ofthe computer 802. The interface 804 is used by the computer 802 forcommunicating with other systems that are connected to the network 830(whether illustrated or not) in a distributed environment. Generally,the interface 804 comprises logic encoded in software or hardware (or acombination of software and hardware) and is operable to communicatewith the network 830. More specifically, the interface 804 may comprisesoftware supporting one or more communication protocols associated withcommunications such that the network 830 or interface's hardware isoperable to communicate physical signals within and outside of theillustrated computer 802.

The computer 802 includes a processor 805. Although illustrated as asingle processor 805 in FIG. 8, two or more processors may be usedaccording to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations ofthe computer 802. Generally, the processor 805 executes instructions andmanipulates data to perform the operations of the computer 802 and anyalgorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures asdescribed in the instant disclosure.

The computer 802 also includes a database 806 that can hold data for thecomputer 802 or other components (or a combination of both) that can beconnected to the network 830 (whether illustrated or not). For example,database 806 can be an in-memory, conventional, or other type ofdatabase storing data consistent with this disclosure. In someimplementations, database 806 can be a combination of two or moredifferent database types (for example, a hybrid in-memory andconventional database) according to particular needs, desires, orparticular implementations of the computer 802 and the describedfunctionality. Although illustrated as a single database 806 in FIG. 8,two or more databases (of the same or combination of types) can be usedaccording to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations ofthe computer 802 and the described functionality. While database 806 isillustrated as an integral component of the computer 802, in alternativeimplementations, database 806 can be external to the computer 802.

The computer 802 also includes a memory 807 that can hold data for thecomputer 802 or other components (or a combination of both) that can beconnected to the network 830 (whether illustrated or not). Memory 807can store any data consistent with this disclosure. In someimplementations, memory 807 can be a combination of two or moredifferent types of memory (for example, a combination of semiconductorand magnetic storage) according to particular needs, desires, orparticular implementations of the computer 802 and the describedfunctionality. Although illustrated as a single memory 807 in FIG. 8,two or more memories 807 (of the same or combination of types) can beused according to particular needs, desires, or particularimplementations of the computer 802 and the described functionality.While memory 807 is illustrated as an integral component of the computer802, in alternative implementations, memory 807 can be external to thecomputer 802.

The application 808 is an algorithmic software engine providingfunctionality according to particular needs, desires, or particularimplementations of the computer 802, particularly with respect tofunctionality described in this disclosure. For example, application 808can serve as one or more components, modules, or applications. Further,although illustrated as a single application 808, the application 808may be implemented as multiple applications 808 on the computer 802. Inaddition, although illustrated as integral to the computer 802, inalternative implementations, the application 808 can be external to thecomputer 802.

The computer 802 can also include a power supply 814. The power supply814 can include a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery that can beconfigured to be either user- or non-user-replaceable. In someimplementations, the power supply 814 can include power-conversion ormanagement circuits (including recharging, standby, or other powermanagement functionality). In some implementations, the power-supply 814can include a power plug to allow the computer 802 to be plugged into awall socket or other power source to, for example, power the computer802 or recharge a rechargeable battery.

There may be any number of computers 802 associated with, or externalto, a computer system containing computer 802, each computer 802communicating over network 830. Further, the term “client,” “user,” andother appropriate terminology may be used interchangeably, asappropriate, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.Moreover, this disclosure contemplates that many users may use onecomputer 802, or that one user may use multiple computers 802.

Described implementations of the subject matter can include one or morefeatures, alone or in combination.

For example, in a first implementation, a computer-implemented systemcomprises: a non-retrieval sensing system (NRSS) comprising: at leastone hardware processor interoperably coupled with computer memory andconfigured to perform operations of one or more components of thecomputer-implemented system; and a detachable module (DM) deliverysystem configured to deploy, from release grooves of the NRSS and duringa survey of the NRSS inside a wellbore during drilling of a well, pluralDMs into an environment surrounding the NRSS, wherein the plural DMs arepre-loaded into the NRSS; and plural DMs configured to gather and storesensing data from the environment.

The foregoing and other described implementations can each, optionally,include one or more of the following features:

A first feature, combinable with any of the following features, thesystem further comprises a reader separate from the NRSS and configuredto read the data captured by the DMs without requiring recovery of theNRSS.

A second feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, the DM delivery system includes a mechanical release systemthat includes a spring encased in a housing of the NRSS, the springconfigured to cause deployment of the plural DMs using inertial motionof the NRSS when the NRSS reaches a stopping point the survey of theNRSS.

A third feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, the DM delivery system includes a motorized release systemthat includes a motor encased in a housing of the NRSS, the motorconfigured to engage a rack to deploy the plural DMs at differentintervals during the survey of the NRSS, the NRSS including a batteryfor powering the motor.

A fourth feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, the NRSS has a pipe-shaped design that, allows fluid to flowthrough the center.

A fifth feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, the DM includes: a printed circuit board including amicrocontroller configured for controlling the DM, including controllingcommunication with the NRSS and with external systems to which the DMprovides data; storage chips for storing sensor information; andelectrodes for engaging powered contacts in the release grooves of theNRSS.

A sixth feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, the NRSS includes: locational/movement components including a3-axis magnetometer, a 3-axis accelerometer, and a 3-axis gyroscope; anda microcontroller configured to control the NRSS and including a timer,a central processing unit (CPU), input/output (I/O) ports, random accessmemory (RAM), interrupts, and read-only memory (ROM); and wherein themicrocontroller determines the different intervals using informationfrom at least one of the locational/movement components and the timer.

A seventh feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, the DM has a shape that is spherical, cylindrical, ellipsoid,or capsule.

An eighth feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, the DM further includes integrated sensors includingtemperature sensors, pressure sensors, magnetic field sensors, gamma raysensors, acoustic sensors, spectroscopic sensors, chemical sensors, andPotential of Hydrogen (PH) sensors.

A ninth feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, the DM further includes a radio-frequency identification(RFID) configured for communication of data with an RFID reader externalto the DM.

A tenth feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, the wellbore is a wellbore of an onshore oil well, an offshoreoil well, an onshore gas well, or an offshore gas well.

In a second implementation, a computer-implemented method comprisesinitiating a survey of a wellbore using a NRSS; preloading plural DMsinto the NRSS; configuring the NRSS to gather and store sensing data forthe wellbore; deploying the NRSS into the wellbore; gathering andstoring environmental condition or wellbore information using NRSS;monitoring conditions for release of the plural DMs into the wellbore;deploying the plural DMs into the wellbore; gathering and storingenvironmental conditions using battery-powered ones of the plural DMs;acquiring data from the plural DMs; and using the acquired data formaking operational decisions.

The foregoing and other described implementations can each, optionally,include one or more of the following features:

A first feature, combinable with any of the following features, thecomputer-implemented method further comprises gathering and storingenvironmental conditions using plural battery-powered DMs.

A second feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, deploying the plural DMs includes using a mechanical releasesystem that includes a spring encased in a housing of the NRSS, thespring configured to cause deployment of the plural DMs using inertialmotion of the NRSS when the NRSS reaches a stopping point the survey ofthe NRSS.

A third feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, deploying the plural DMs includes using a motorized releasesystem that includes a motor encased in a housing of the NRSS, the motorconfigured to engage a rack to deploy the plural DMs at differentintervals during the survey of the NRSS, the NRSS including a batteryfor powering the motor.

A fourth feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, the DM includes: a printed circuit board including amicrocontroller configured for controlling the DM, including controllingcommunication with the NRSS and with external systems to which the DMprovides data; storage chips for storing sensor information; andelectrodes for engaging powered contacts in release grooves of the NRSS.

A fifth feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, the NRSS includes: locational/movement components including a3-axis magnetometer, a 3-axis accelerometer, and a 3-axis gyroscope; anda microcontroller configured to control the NRSS and including a timer,a central processing unit (CPU), input/output (I/O) ports, random accessmemory (RAM), interrupts, and read-only memory (ROM); and wherein themicrocontroller determines the different intervals using informationfrom at least one of the locational/movement components and the timer.

A sixth feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, the DM has a shape that is spherical, cylindrical, ellipsoid,or capsule.

A seventh feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, the DM further includes integrated sensors includingtemperature sensors, pressure sensors, gamma ray sensors, acousticsensors, spectroscopic sensors, chemical sensors, and Potential ofHydrogen (PH) sensors.

An eighth feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, the DM further includes a radio-frequency identification(RFID) configured for communication of data with an RFID reader externalto the DM.

A ninth feature, combinable with any of the previous or followingfeatures, the wellbore is a wellbore of an onshore oil well, an offshoreoil well, an onshore gas well, or an offshore gas well.

Implementations of the subject matter and the functional operationsdescribed in this specification can be implemented in digital electroniccircuitry, in tangibly embodied computer software or firmware, incomputer hardware, including the structures disclosed in thisspecification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations ofone or more of them. Software implementations of the described subjectmatter can be implemented as one or more computer programs, that is, oneor more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible,non-transitory, computer-readable computer-storage medium for executionby, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus.Alternatively, or additionally, the program instructions can be encodedin/on an artificially generated propagated signal, for example, amachine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal that isgenerated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiverapparatus for execution by a data processing apparatus. Thecomputer-storage medium can be a machine-readable storage device, amachine-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memorydevice, or a combination of computer-storage mediums.

The term “real-time,” “real time,” “realtime,” “real (fast) time (RFT),”“near(ly) real-time (NRT),” “quasi real-time,” or similar terms (asunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art), means that an actionand a response are temporally proximate such that an individualperceives the action and the response occurring substantiallysimultaneously. For example, the time difference for a response todisplay (or for an initiation of a display) of data following theindividual's action to access the data may be less than 1 ms, less than1 sec., or less than 5 secs. While the requested data need not bedisplayed (or initiated for display) instantaneously, it is displayed(or initiated for display) without any intentional delay, taking intoaccount processing limitations of a described computing system and timerequired to, for example, gather, accurately measure, analyze, process,store, or transmit the data.

The terms “data processing apparatus,” “computer,” or “electroniccomputer device” (or equivalent as understood by one of ordinary skillin the art) refer to data processing hardware and encompass all kinds ofapparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by wayof example, a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processorsor computers. The apparatus can also be, or further include specialpurpose logic circuitry, for example, a central processing unit (CPU),an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or an ASIC(application-specific integrated circuit). In some implementations, thedata processing apparatus or special purpose logic circuitry (or acombination of the data processing apparatus or special purpose logiccircuitry) may be hardware- or software-based (or a combination of bothhardware- and software-based). The apparatus can optionally include codethat creates an execution environment for computer programs, forexample, code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, adatabase management system, an operating system, or a combination ofexecution environments. The present disclosure contemplates the use ofdata processing apparatuses with or without conventional operatingsystems, for example LINUX, UNIX, WINDOWS, MAC OS, ANDROID, IOS, or anyother suitable conventional operating system.

A computer program, which may also be referred to or described as aprogram, software, a software application, a module, a software module,a script, or code can be written in any form of programming language,including compiled or interpreted languages, or declarative orprocedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as astand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unitsuitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, butneed not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be storedin a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, for example,one or more scripts stored in a markup language document, in a singlefile dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinatedfiles, for example, files that store one or more modules, sub-programs,or portions of code. A computer program can be deployed to be executedon one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site ordistributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communicationnetwork. While portions of the programs illustrated in the variousfigures are shown as individual modules that implement the variousfeatures and functionality through various objects, methods, or otherprocesses, the programs may instead include a number of sub-modules,third-party services, components, libraries, and such, as appropriate.Conversely, the features and functionality of various components can becombined into single components, as appropriate. Thresholds used to makecomputational determinations can be statically, dynamically, or bothstatically and dynamically determined.

The methods, processes, or logic flows described in this specificationcan be performed by one or more programmable computers executing one ormore computer programs to perform functions by operating on input dataand generating output. The methods, processes, or logic flows can alsobe performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, specialpurpose logic circuitry, for example, a CPU, an FPGA, or an ASIC.

Computers suitable for the execution of a computer program can be basedon general or special purpose microprocessors, both, or any other kindof CPU. Generally, a CPU will receive instructions and data from andwrite to a memory. The essential elements of a computer are a CPU, forperforming or executing instructions, and one or more memory devices forstoring instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include,or be operatively coupled to, receive data from or transfer data to, orboth, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, for example,magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computerneed not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded inanother device, for example, a mobile telephone, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device,for example, a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive, to name just afew.

Computer-readable media (transitory or non-transitory, as appropriate)suitable for storing computer program instructions and data includes allforms of permanent/non-permanent or volatile/non-volatile memory, mediaand memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memorydevices, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory(ROM), phase change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM),dynamic random access memory (DRAM), erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory(EEPROM), and flash memory devices; magnetic devices, for example, tape,cartridges, cassettes, internal/removable disks; magneto-optical disks;and optical memory devices, for example, digital video disc (DVD),CD-ROM, DVD+/-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, HD-DVD, and BLURAY, and other opticalmemory technologies. The memory may store various objects or data,including caches, classes, frameworks, applications, modules, backupdata, jobs, web pages, web page templates, data structures, databasetables, repositories storing dynamic information, and any otherappropriate information including any parameters, variables, algorithms,instructions, rules, constraints, or references thereto. Additionally,the memory may include any other appropriate data, such as logs,policies, security or access data, reporting files, as well as others.The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in,special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subjectmatter described in this specification can be implemented on a computerhaving a display device, for example, a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD(liquid crystal display), LED (light emitting diode), or plasma monitor,for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointingdevice, for example, a mouse, trackball, or trackpad by which the usercan provide input to the computer. Input may also be provided to thecomputer using a touchscreen, such as a tablet computer surface withpressure sensitivity, a multi-touch screen using capacitive or electricsensing, or other type of touchscreen. Other kinds of devices can beused to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example,feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, forexample, visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; andinput from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic,speech, or tactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with auser by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device thatis used by the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browseron a user's client device in response to requests received from the webbrowser.

The term “graphical user interface,” or “GUI,” may be used in thesingular or the plural to describe one or more graphical user interfacesand each of the displays of a particular graphical user interface.Therefore, a GUI may represent any graphical user interface, includingbut not limited to, a web browser, a touch screen, or a command lineinterface (CLI) that processes information and efficiently presents theinformation results to the user. In general, a GUI may include aplurality of user interface (UI) elements, some or all associated with aweb browser, such as interactive fields, pull-down lists, and buttons.These and other UI elements may be related to or represent the functionsof the web browser.

Implementations of the subject matter described in this specificationcan be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-endcomponent, for example, as a data server, or that includes a middlewarecomponent, for example, an application server, or that includes afront-end component, for example, a client computer having a graphicaluser interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact withan implementation of the subject matter described in this specification,or any combination of one or more such back-end, middleware, orfront-end components. The components of the system can be interconnectedby any form or medium of wireline or wireless digital data communication(or a combination of data communication), for example, a communicationnetwork. Examples of communication networks include a local area network(LAN), a radio access network (RAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN),a wide area network (WAN), Worldwide Interoperability for MicrowaveAccess (WIMAX), a wireless local area network (WLAN) using, for example,802.11 a/b/g/n or 802.20 (or a combination of 802.11x and 802.20 orother protocols consistent with this disclosure), all or a portion ofthe Internet, or any other communication system or systems at one ormore locations (or a combination of communication networks). The networkmay communicate with, for example, Internet Protocol (IP) packets, FrameRelay frames, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cells, voice, video,data, or other suitable information (or a combination of communicationtypes) between network addresses.

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client andserver are generally remote from each other and typically interactthrough a communication network. The relationship of client and serverarises by virtue of computer programs running on the respectivecomputers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anyinvention or on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather asdescriptions of features that may be specific to particularimplementations of particular inventions. Certain features that aredescribed in this specification in the context of separateimplementations can also be implemented, in combination, in a singleimplementation. Conversely, various features that are described in thecontext of a single implementation can also be implemented in multipleimplementations, separately, or in any suitable sub-combination.Moreover, although previously described features may be described asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, beexcised from the combination, and the claimed combination may bedirected to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Particular implementations of the subject matter have been described.Other implementations, alterations, and permutations of the describedimplementations are within the scope of the following claims as will beapparent to those skilled in the art. While operations are depicted inthe drawings or claims in a particular order, this should not beunderstood as requiring that such operations be performed in theparticular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustratedoperations be performed (some operations may be considered optional), toachieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking orparallel processing (or a combination of multitasking and parallelprocessing) may be advantageous and performed as deemed appropriate.

Moreover, the separation or integration of various system modules andcomponents in the previously described implementations should not beunderstood as requiring such separation or integration in allimplementations, and it should be understood that the described programcomponents and systems can generally be integrated together in a singlesoftware product or packaged into multiple software products.

Accordingly, the previously described example implementations do notdefine or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, andalterations are also possible without departing from the spirit andscope of this disclosure.

Furthermore, any claimed implementation is considered to be applicableto at least a computer-implemented method; a non-transitory,computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions toperform the computer-implemented method; and a computer systemcomprising a computer memory interoperably coupled with a hardwareprocessor configured to perform the computer-implemented method or theinstructions stored on the non-transitory, computer-readable medium.

1. A computer-implemented system, comprising: a non-retrieval sensingsystem (NRSS) comprising: at least one hardware processor interoperablycoupled with computer memory and configured to perform operations of oneor more components of the computer-implemented system; and a detachablemodule (DM) delivery system configured to deploy, from release groovesof the NRSS and during a survey of the NRSS inside a wellbore duringdrilling of a well, plural DMs into an environment surrounding the NRSS,wherein the plural DMs are pre-loaded into the NRSS; and plural DMsconfigured to gather and store sensing data from the environment.
 2. Thecomputer-implemented system of claim 1, further comprising: a readerseparate from the NRSS and configured to read the data captured by theDMs without requiring recovery of the NRSS.
 3. The computer-implementedsystem of claim 1, wherein the DM delivery system includes a mechanicalrelease system that includes a spring encased in a housing of the NRSS,the spring configured to cause deployment of the plural DMs usinginertial motion of the NRSS when the NRSS reaches a stopping point thesurvey of the NRSS.
 4. The computer-implemented system of claim 1,wherein the DM delivery system includes a motorized release system thatincludes a motor encased in a housing of the NRSS, the motor configuredto engage a rack to deploy the plural DMs at different intervals duringthe survey of the NRSS, the NRSS including a battery for powering themotor.
 5. The computer-implemented system of claim 1, wherein the NRSShas a pipe-shaped design that, allows fluid to flow through the center.6. The computer-implemented system of claim 1, wherein the DM includes:a printed circuit board including a microcontroller configured forcontrolling the DM, including controlling communication with the NRSSand with external systems to which the DM provides data; storage chipsfor storing sensor information; and electrodes for engaging poweredcontacts in the release grooves of the NRSS.
 7. The computer-implementedsystem of claim 1, wherein the NRSS includes: locational/movementcomponents including a 3-axis magnetometer, a 3-axis accelerometer, anda 3-axis gyroscope; and a microcontroller configured to control the NRSSand including a timer, a central processing unit (CPU), input/output(I/O) ports, random access memory (RAM), interrupts, and read-onlymemory (ROM); and wherein the microcontroller determines the differentintervals using information from at least one of the locational/movementcomponents and the timer.
 8. The computer-implemented system of claim 1,wherein the DM has a shape that is spherical, cylindrical, ellipsoid, orcapsule.
 9. The computer-implemented system of claim 5, wherein the DMfurther includes integrated sensors including temperature sensors,pressure sensors, magnetic field sensors, gamma ray sensors, acousticsensors, spectroscopic sensors, chemical sensors, and Potential ofHydrogen (PH) sensors.
 10. The computer-implemented system of claim 5,wherein the DM further includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID)configured for communication of data with an RFID reader external to theDM.
 11. The computer-implemented system of claim 1, wherein the wellboreis a wellbore of an onshore oil well, an offshore oil well, an onshoregas well, or an offshore gas well.
 12. A computer-implemented method,comprising: initiating a survey of a wellbore using a NRSS; preloadingplural DMs into the NRSS; configuring the NRSS to gather and storesensing data for the wellbore; deploying the NRSS into the wellbore;gathering and storing environmental condition or wellbore informationusing NRSS; monitoring conditions for release of the plural DMs into thewellbore; deploying the plural DMs into the wellbore; gathering andstoring environmental conditions using battery-powered ones of theplural DMs; acquiring data from the plural DMs; and using the acquireddata for making operational decisions.
 13. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 12, wherein deploying the plural DMs includes using amechanical release system that includes a spring encased in a housing ofthe NRSS, the spring configured to cause deployment of the plural DMsusing inertial motion of the NRSS when the NRSS reaches a stopping pointthe survey of the NRSS.
 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 12,wherein deploying the plural DMs includes using a motorized releasesystem that includes a motor encased in a housing of the NRSS, the motorconfigured to engage a rack to deploy the plural DMs at differentintervals during the survey of the NRSS, the NRSS including a batteryfor powering the motor.
 15. The computer-implemented method of claim 12,wherein the DM includes: a printed circuit board including amicrocontroller configured for controlling the DM, including controllingcommunication with the NRSS and with external systems to which the DMprovides data; storage chips for storing sensor information; andelectrodes for engaging powered contacts in release grooves of the NRSS.16. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, wherein the NRSSincludes: locational/movement components including a 3-axismagnetometer, a 3-axis accelerometer, and a 3-axis gyroscope; and amicrocontroller configured to control the NRSS and including a timer, acentral processing unit (CPU), input/output (I/O) ports, random accessmemory (RAM), interrupts, and read-only memory (ROM); and wherein themicrocontroller determines the different intervals using informationfrom at least one of the locational/movement components and the timer.17. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, wherein the DM has ashape that is spherical, cylindrical, ellipsoid, or capsule.
 18. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein the DM further includesintegrated sensors including temperature sensors, pressure sensors,gamma ray sensors, acoustic sensors, spectroscopic sensors, chemicalsensors, and Potential of Hydrogen (PH) sensors.
 19. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein the DM further includesa radio-frequency identification (RFID) configured for communication ofdata with an RFID reader external to the DM.
 20. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein the wellbore is awellbore of an onshore oil well, an offshore oil well, an onshore gaswell, or an offshore gas well.